Save It Buffalo Chicken Pasta with Ranch Drizzle hits every craving when you want big flavors without a lot of fuss. Tangy buffalo sauce and silky cream cheese transform everyday pasta and chicken into a hearty bake that comes together quickly — all finished off with a refreshing ranch drizzle to cool things down.
I first whipped this up for a game day with friends and it disappeared in minutes — buffalo and ranch is always a hit in our house and pairing them with pasta just makes it even more comforting.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: Choose a good brand with firmness so it holds sauce and does not turn mushy
- Cooked shredded chicken: Grab a rotisserie chicken or use up leftovers for ease and flavor
- Buffalo sauce: Pick your favorite heat level and look for a sauce with bold tang
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat for creamy texture or a lighter version if preferred
- Shredded mozzarella: Provides perfect melt and a mild cheesy stretch
- Milk: Helps create a silky sauce and prevents it from getting too thick
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing all those bold flavors
- Ranch dressing: Choose a ranch you love or make your own from scratch
- Green onions or parsley: Both add fresh color and a mild bite for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente this means it still has a tiny bite and will finish cooking in the bake. Drain well then set aside so it is not sitting in water for too long.
- Make the Buffalo Cream Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan set over medium heat add buffalo sauce cream cheese and milk. Stir with a spatula or whisk as the cream cheese melts. Take your time so the sauce becomes fully smooth and starts to gently bubble. Sprinkle in mozzarella and stir constantly as it melts into a silky sauce.
- Add Chicken and Pasta:
- Add shredded chicken right into the sauce stirring so it gets evenly coated with the creamy buffalo mixture. Next gently fold in the cooked macaroni and mix thoroughly ensuring every piece of pasta is cloaked in sauce.
- Bake for a Bubbling Finish:
- Spoon the saucy pasta and chicken into a greased baking dish spreading it out in an even layer. Place dish in a preheated oven at 190 C which is 375 F and bake for ten to fifteen minutes. The top should look lightly golden and the edges bubbly which means it is ready.
- Top and Serve:
- Once baked let it rest for a minute then generously drizzle with ranch dressing all across the surface. Scatter on some chopped green onions or parsley if using. Serve straight from the baking dish for that fresh out of the oven comfort.
Save It My personal favorite part is how the tangy buffalo sauce ties everything together. One time my brother asked for seconds and insisted it was the best pasta bake he had ever tasted. It quickly became a staple for our family movie nights.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven covered so it stays moist or quickly in the microwave. If you want to keep it longer freeze portions of the unbaked pasta mixture then bake when ready to serve.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to make it gluten free swap for your favorite gluten free macaroni. No mozzarella no problem use cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different melted cheese pull. For dairy free try plant based cream cheese and non dairy mozzarella they work surprisingly well in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the buffalo chicken pasta with crisp celery sticks and carrot ribbons on the side to echo the flavors of classic buffalo wings. Offer extra ranch or blue cheese dressing alongside for dipping. A green salad with tangy vinaigrette gives a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Buffalo chicken began as bar food in upstate New York but now has fans everywhere and pairing it with pasta is uniquely American comfort food. In summer use grilled chicken and toss with chopped tomatoes before baking. In colder months double up the cheese for a super cozy casserole.
Save It Try this easy buffalo chicken pasta bake for your next get together and see how quickly it disappears. Adjust the heat to your taste for a deliciously creamy zesty dinner everyone will enjoy.
Recipe FAQs
- → How spicy is this pasta dish?
The heat depends on the buffalo sauce used. Choose mild for less spice or extra-hot for more kick. You can always adjust to personal preference.
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while elbow macaroni is classic, penne or rotini also work well to hold the creamy sauce and shredded chicken.
- → Is baking the dish necessary?
Baking is optional. It melts the cheese further and gives golden edges, but the pasta can be enjoyed right after mixing on the stovetop.
- → What can I use instead of ranch drizzle?
Blue cheese dressing is a great alternative, or omit for a purely spicy and creamy dish. Fresh herbs also add flavor.
- → How can I make this quicker?
Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for quick prep and skip baking to serve the finished pasta straight from the skillet.